Pharmaceutical compositions comprising forms of 5-azacytidine

ABSTRACT

The invention provides novel polymorphic and pseudopolymorphic crystalline forms of 5-azacyditine, along with methods for preparing said forms, wherein 5-azacytidine is represented by the formula: 
                         
The invention also includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising said forms.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/587,768, filed Aug. 16, 2012, entitled, “Pharmaceutical Compositions Comprising Forms of 5-Azacytidine,” which is divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/787,214, filed May 25, 2010, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/458,365, filed Jul. 18, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,772,199, entitled, “Forms of 5-Azacytidine,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/052,615, filed Feb. 7, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,078,518, entitled, “Forms of 5-Azacytidine,” which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/390,578, filed Mar. 17, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,887,855, entitled “Forms of 5-Azacytidine,” the contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to polymorphic and pseudopolymorphic forms of 5-azacytidine (also known as azacitidine and 4-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-S-triazin-2(1H)-one), methods for preparing said forms, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said forms. 5-azacytidine may be used in the treatment of disease, including the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Polymorphs exist as two or more crystalline phases that have different arrangements and/or different conformations of the molecule in a crystal lattice. When a solvent molecule(s) is contained within the crystal lattice the resulting crystal is called a pseudopolymorph, or solvate. If the solvent molecule(s) within the crystal structure is a water molecule, then the pseudopolymorph/solvate is called a hydrate. The polymorphic and pseudopolymorphic solids display different physical properties, including those due to packing, and various thermodynamic, spectroscopic, interfacial and mechanical properties (See H. Brittain, Polymorphism in Pharmaceutical Solids, Marcel Dekker, New York, N.Y., 1999, pp. 1-2). Polymorphic and pseudopolymorphic forms of the drug substance (also known as the “active pharmaceutical ingredient” (API)), as administered by itself or formulated as a drug product (also known as the final or finished dosage form, or as the pharmaceutical composition) are well known and may affect, for example, the solubility, stability, flowability, tractability, and compressibility of drug substances and the safety and efficacy of drug products, (see, e.g., Knapman, K Modem Drug Discoveries, March 2000: 53).

5-azacytidine (also known as azacitidine and 4-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-1,3,5-triazin-2(1H)-one; Nation Service Center designation NSC-102816; CAS Registry Number 320-67-2) has undergone NCI-sponsored clinical trials for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). See Kornblith et al. J. Clin. Oncol. 20(10): 2441-2452 (2002) and Silverman et al. J. Clin. Oncol. 20(10): 2429-2440 (2002). 5-azacytidine may be defined as having a formula of C₈H₁₂N₄O₅, a molecular weight of 244.20 and a structure of:

The polymorphic form of 5-azacytidine drug substance and drug product has never been characterized. It is an object of the present invention to characterize the polymorphic forms of 5-azacytidine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been unexpectedly found that 5-azacytidine exists in at least eight different polymorphic and pseudopolymorphic crystalline forms (Forms I-VIII), in addition to an amorphous form. Form I is a polymorph found in prior art retained samples of 5-azacytidine drug substance. Form II is a polymorph found in some prior art retained samples of the 5-azacytidine drug substance; in those samples, Form II is always found in mixed phase with Form I. Form III is a hydrate, and is formed when prior art retained and current samples of the drug product are reconstituted with water to form a “slurry” prior to administration to the patient. Form VI is found in prior art retained samples of the 5-azacytidine drug product, either substantially free of other polymorphs, or in mixed phase with Form I.

The invention provides novel crystalline forms referred to as Form IV, Form V, Form VII and Form VIII. Forms I-VIII each have characteristic X-ray power diffraction (XRPD) patterns and are easily distinguished from one another using XRPD.

Also included in the present invention are methods for robustly and reproducibly synthesizing 5-azacytidine drug substance substantially as Form IV, Form V, or Form VIII. Also provided are methods for robustly and reproducibly synthesizing a Form I/VII mixed phase. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the various forms of 5-azacytidine together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, diluents, or carriers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 presents the X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) pattern of 5-azacytidine, Form I, labeled with the most prominent 2θ angles (Cu Kα radiation).

FIG. 2 presents the XRPD pattern of 5-azacytidine, mixed phase Form I and Form II, labeled with the most prominent 2θ angles (Cu Kα radiation).

FIG. 3 presents the XRPD pattern of 5-azacytidine, Form III, labeled with the most prominent 2θ angles (Cu Kα radiation).

FIG. 4 presents the XRPD pattern of 5-azacytidine, Form IV, labeled with the most prominent 2θ angles (Cu Kα radiation).

FIG. 5 presents the XRPD pattern of 5-azacytidine, Form V, labeled with the most prominent 2θ angles (Cu Kα radiation).

FIG. 6 presents the XRPD pattern of 5-azacytidine, Form VI, labeled with the most prominent 2θ angles (Cu Kα radiation).

FIG. 7 presents the XRPD pattern of 5-azacytidine, mixed phase Form I and Form VII, labeled with the most prominent 2θ angles (Cu Kα radiation).

FIG. 8 presents the XRPD pattern of 5-azacytidine, Form VIII, labeled with the most prominent 2θ angles (Cu Kα radiation).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

5-azacytidine Crystalline Forms I-VIII

It has been discovered that 5-azacytidine exists in at least eight different polymorphic and pseudopolymorphic crystalline forms, and also in an amorphous form.

Form I

A single sample of the 5-azacytidine drug substance was synthesized from 5-azacytosine and 1,2,3,5,-Tetra-O-acetyl-β-D-ribofuranose according to the prior art method provided in Example 1. The last step of this method is a recrystallization of the crude synthesis product from a DMSO/methanol co-solvent system. Specifically, the crude synthesis product is dissolved in DMSO (preheated to about 90° C.), and then methanol is added to the DMSO solution. The co-solvent mixture is equilibrated at approximately −20° C. to allow 5-azacytidine crystal formation. The product is collected by vacuum filtration and allowed to air dry.

The X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD: see Example 5) pattern of the resulting 5-azacytidine is shown in FIG. 1 along with some of the 2θ values. Table 1 provides the most prominent 2θ angles, d-spacing and relative intensities for this material, which is designated as Form I.

TABLE 1 5-azacytidine Form I - the most prominent 2θ angles, d-spacing and relative intensities (Cu Kα radiation) 2θ d-spacing Relative Angle (°) (Å) Intensity 12.182 7.260 39.1 13.024 6.792 44.1 14.399 6.146 31.5 16.470 5.378 27.1 18.627 4.760 16.0 19.049 4.655 35.9 20.182 4.396 37.0 21.329 4.162 12.4 23.033 3.858 100.0 23.872 3.724 28.0 26.863 3.316 10.8 27.135 3.284 51.5 29.277 3.048 25.6 29.591 3.016 11.5 30.369 2.941 10.8 32.072 2.788 13.4

Thermal analysis of Form I indicates that this form of 5-azacytidine is anhydrous. See Example 6.

Form II

Retained samples of the drug substance previously used to formulate the drug product in the NCI-sponsored Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) investigations (Phase 2 trial 8291 and Phase 3 trial 9221) for the treatment of MDS (Investigational New Drug (IND) 7574) were also analyzed by XRPD. The retained drug substance samples comprised either Form I, or a mixed phase of Form I and another polymorph: Form II. See Example 5.

The XRPD powder pattern of mixed phase Forms I and II is shown in FIG. 2 along with some of the 2θ values. Peaks distinctive to Form II are observed at 13.5, 17.6 and 22.3° 2θ. Table 2 provides the most prominent 2θ angles, d-spacing and relative intensities for this mixed phase.

TABLE 2 5-azacytidine, Mixed Phase Forms I and II - the most prominent 2θ angles, d-spacing and relative intensities (Cu Kα radiation) 2θ d-spacing Relative Angle (°) (Å) Intensity 12.244 7.223 34.8 13.082 6.762 37.0 13.458* 6.574 29.2 14.452 6.124 25.4 16.521 5.361 19.0 17.648* 5.022 12.1 18.677 4.747 12.7 19.093 4.645 41.3 20.231 4.386 42.1 21.353 4.158 15.5 22.309* 3.982 35.1 23.070 3.852 100.0 23.909 3.719 18.9 26.641 3.343 18.2 26.813 3.322 12.6 27.158 3.281 46.0 29.309 3.045 27.3 29.609 3.015 12.7 30.384 2.939 10.5 32.074 2.788 12.0

These results indicate that the prior art 5-azacytidine synthesis procedures for the drug substance produce either Form I substantially free of other forms, or a Form I/II mixed phase i.e. a solid material in which 5-azacytidine is present in a mixed phase of both Form I and Form II.

Thermal analysis of mixed phase Form I/II is presented in Example 6.

Form III

An additional crystalline form of 5-azacytidine, designated Form III, is found in slurries of 5-azacytidine. See Example 8. Moreover, it has been found that all forms of 5-azacytidine (including the 5-azacytidine in the prior art drug product) convert to Form III in water. See Example 8. Thus, reconstitution of the drug product used in the aforementioned NCI trials would have led to the formation of a saturated solution (or “slurry”) in which the remaining solid 5-azacytidine was Form III. The XRPD powder pattern of Form III is shown in FIG. 3 along with some of the 2θ values. Table 3 provides the most prominent 2θ angles, d-spacing and relative intensities for this crystalline material. The XRPD powder pattern for Form III is distinctly different from that of all of the other forms of 5-azacytidine.

TABLE 3 5-azacytidine, Form III - the most prominent 2θ angles, d- spacing and relative intensities (Cu Kα radiation) 2θ d-spacing Relative Angle (°) (Å) Intensity 6.566 13.450 32.9 11.983 7.380 52.5 13.089 6.758 71.0 15.138 5.848 38.9 17.446 5.079 48.2 20.762 4.275 10.8 21.049 4.147 34.8 22.776 3.901 89.5 24.363 3.651 13.7 25.743 3.458 22.8 26.305 3.385 39.9 28.741 3.104 100.0 31.393 2.847 22.5 32.806 2.728 11.8 33.043 2.709 10.1 33.536 2.670 15.1 36.371 2.468 11.0 39.157 2.299 19.3 41.643 2.167 12.1

Thermal analysis and proton (¹H) NMR spectroscopy indicate that Form III is a pseudopolymorphic form of 5-azacytidine, specifically a monohydrate. See Examples 6-7.

Form IV

Form IV is a novel crystalline form of 5-azacytidine. Form IV was recovered by slow recrystallization from a DMSO/toluene co-solvent system (see Example 2) or by fast recrystallization from the DMSO/chloroform co-solvent system (see Example 3). The XRPD powder pattern of Form IV is shown in FIG. 4 along with some of the 2θ values. Table 4 provides the most prominent 2θ angles, d-spacing and relative intensities for this crystalline material. The XRPD powder pattern for Form IV is distinctly different from that of any other form.

TABLE 4 5-azacytidine Form IV - the most prominent 2θ angles, d- spacing and relative intensities (Cu Kα radiation) 2θ d-spacing Relative Angle (°) (Å) Intensity 5.704 15.408 24.9 11.571 7.642 97.8 12.563 7.040 22.2 14.070 6.289 100.0 15.943 5.555 67.4 16.993 5.213 51.0 18.066 4.906 20.1 20.377 4.355 44.7 20.729 4.281 49.0 21.484 4.132 36.30 21.803 4.073 11.2 22.452 3.957 66.7 22.709 3.913 64.0 23.646 3.760 17.3 24.068 3.695 19.4 25.346 3.526 12.0 25.346 3.511 12.5 26.900 3.312 11.0 27.991 3.185 11.4 28.527 3.126 25.7 28.723 3.106 34.1 30.124 2.964 14.7 30.673 2.912 53.6 31.059 2.877 15.7 35.059 2.557 18.1 38.195 2.354 15.0 38.403 2.342 12.6

Thermal analysis of Form IV is presented in Example 6.

Form V

Form V is a novel crystalline form of 5-azacytidine. Form V was recovered by fast recrystallization of 5-azacytidine from a DMSO/toluene co-solvent system (see Example 3). The XRPD powder pattern of Form V is shown in FIG. 5 along with some of the 2θ values. Table 5 provides the most prominent 2θ angles, d-spacing and relative intensities for this crystalline material. The XRPD powder pattern for Form V is distinctly different from that of any other form.

TABLE 5 5-azacytidine Form V - the most prominent 2θ angles, d-spacing and relative intensities (Cu Kα radiation) 2θ d-spacing Relative Angle (°) (Å) Intensity 11.018 8.024 40.0 12.351 7.160 29.6 13.176 6.714 28.3 13.747 6.436 42.9 14.548 6.084 18.3 15.542 5.697 14.2 16.556 5.350 47.8 17.978 4.930 18.1 18.549 4.780 83.9 19.202 4.618 25.0 19.819 4.476 12.1 20.329 4.365 28.6 21.518 4.126 100.0 21.970 4.042 65.6 22.521 3.948 11.5 23.179 3.834 66.5 24.018 3.702 13.0 24.569 3.620 40.7 27.224 3.273 50.2 28.469 3.133 24.2 29.041 3.072 24.8 29.429 3.033 15.0 30.924 2.889 15.6 31.133 2.870 22.6 37.938 2.370 10.7

Thermal analysis indicates that Form V is a solvate. See Example 6.

Form VI

The drug product used in the aforementioned NCI investigation was typically prepared by lyophilizing a solution of 5-azacytidine and mannitol (1:1 w/w). The resultant drug product comprised 100 mg of 5-azacytidine and 100 mg mannitol as a lyophilized cake in a vial and was administered by subcutaneous injection as an aqueous suspension (“slurry”). XRPD analysis of retained samples of the drug product used in the NCI investigation revealed the existence of another polymorph, Form VI. The retained drug product samples comprised either Form VI alone, or a Form I/VI mixed phase. Table 6 provides the most prominent 2θ angles, d-spacing and relative intensities for Form VI.

TABLE 6 5-azacytidine Form VI - the most prominent 2θ angles, d- spacing and relative intensities (Cu Kα radiation) 2θ d-spacing Relative Angle (°) (Å) Intensity 12.533 7.057 10.1 12.963 6.824 10.2 13.801 6.411 100.0 18.929 4.6843 10.0 20.920 4.243 34.2 21.108 4.205 49.4 21.527 4.125 47.0 22.623 3.922 10.7 22.970 3.869 13.8 24.054 3.697 77.8 26.668 3.340 23.0 27.210 3.275 33.7 28.519 3.127 12.9 29.548 3.021 27.2 30.458 2.932 50.3 33.810 2.649 11.6 35.079 2.556 12.6 37.528 2.411 24.7

Thermal analysis and proton (¹H) NMR spectroscopy of Form VI is presented in Examples 6-7.

Form VII

Form VII is a novel crystalline form of 5-azacytidine. Form VII was produced by fast recrystallization from a DMSO/methanol co-solvent system (see Example 3). Form VII was always isolated by this recrystallization method as a mixed phase with Form I. The XRPD powder pattern of mixed phase Forms I and VII is shown in FIG. 7 along with some of the 2θ values and the Form VII distinctive peaks indicated with asterisks. Table 7 provides the most prominent 2θ angles, d-spacing and relative intensities for this mixed phase. Form VII exhibits distinctive peaks at 5.8, 11.5, 12.8, 22.4 and 26.6° 2θ in addition to peaks displayed in the Form I XRPD powder pattern. The XRPD pattern for mixed phase Forms I and VII is distinctly different from that of any other form.

TABLE 7 5-azacytidine, mixed Forms I and VII - the most prominent 2θ angles, d-spacing and relative intensities (Cu Ka radiation) 2θ d-spacing Relative Angle (°) (Å) Intensity 5.779 15.281 14.7 11.537 7.664 8.3 12.208 7.244 28.0 12.759 6.932 21.7 13.048 6.780 34.4 14.418 6.138 22.5 16.489 5.372 21.6 18.649 4.754 13.5 19.101 4.643 34.7 20.200 4.392 34.4 20.769 4.273 10.5 21.355 4.157 11.7 22.365 3.972 29.9 23.049 3.856 100.0 23.884 3.723 23.1 26.628 3.345 13.3 27.145 3.282 52.9 29.296 3.046 26.2 29.582 3.017 11.3 32.078 2.788 12.9

Thermal analysis of Form VII is presented in Example 6

Form VIII

Form VIII is a novel crystalline form of 5-azacytidine. Form VIII was recovered by recrystallizing 5-azacytidine Form I from a N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) single solvent system (see Example 4). The XRPD powder pattern of Form VIII is shown in FIG. 8 along with some of the 2θ values. Table 8 provides the most prominent 2θ angles, d-spacing and relative intensities for this material. The XRPD pattern for Form VIII is distinctly different from that of any other form.

TABLE 8 5-azacytidine, Form VIII - the most prominent 2θ angles, d- spacing and relative intensities (Cu Kα radiation) 2θ d-spacing Relative Angle (°) (Å) Intensity 6.599 13.384 2.9 10.660 8.292 2.2 12.600 7.020 23.4 13.358 6.623 2.6 15.849 5.587 2.0 17.275 5.129 4.2 20.243 4.383 5.8 20.851 4.257 7.8 21.770 4.079 74.4 22.649 3.923 32.1 25.554 3.483 100.0 25.740 3.458 7.8 29.293 3.046 3.8 32.148 2.782 8.8 35.074 2.556 7.4 38.306 2.348 2.5

Amorphous 5-azacytidine

Amorphous 5-azacytidine may be recovered from equilibrium saturated solutions of 5-azacytidine in propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and DMSO. See Example 8.

Pharmaceutical Formulations

For the most effective administration of drug substance of the present invention, it is preferred to prepare a pharmaceutical formulation (also known as the “drug product”) preferably in unit dose form, comprising one or more of the 5-azacytidine forms of the present invention and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient.

Such pharmaceutical formulation may, without being limited by the teachings set forth herein, include a solid form of the present invention which is blended with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluted by an excipient or enclosed within such a carrier that can be in the form of a capsule, sachet, tablet, buccal, lozenge, paper, or other container. When the excipient serves as a diluent, it may be a solid, semi-solid, or liquid material which acts as a vehicle, carrier, or medium for the 5-azacytidine polymorph(s). Thus, the formulations can be in the form of tablets, pills, powders, elixirs, suspensions, emulsions, solutions, syrups, capsules (such as, for example, soft and hard gelatin capsules), suppositories, sterile injectable solutions, and sterile packaged powders.

Examples of suitable excipients include, but are not limited to, starches, gum arabic, calcium silicate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose, water, syrup, and methyl cellulose. The formulations can additionally include lubricating agents such as, for example, talc, magnesium stearate and mineral oil; wetting agents; emulsifying and suspending agents; preserving agents such as methyl- and propyl-hydroxybenzoates; sweetening agents; or flavoring agents. Polyols, buffers, and inert fillers may also be used. Examples of polyols include, but are not limited to: mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, sucrose, maltose, glucose, lactose, dextrose, and the like. Suitable buffers encompass, but are not limited to, phosphate, citrate, tartrate, succinate, and the like. Other inert fillers which may be used encompass those which are known in the art and are useful in the manufacture of various dosage forms. If desired, the solid pharmaceutical compositions may include other components such as bulling agents and/or granulating agents, and the like. The compositions of the invention can be formulated so as to provide quick, sustained, controlled, or delayed release of the drug substance after administration to the patient by employing procedures well known in the art.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the 5-azacytidine forms(s) may be made into the form of dosage units for oral administration. The 5-azacytidine forms(s) may be mixed with a solid, pulverant carrier such as, for example, lactose, saccharose, sorbitol, mannitol, starch, amylopectin, cellulose derivatives or gelatin, as well as with an antifriction agent such as for example, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, and polyethylene glycol waxes. The mixture is then pressed into tablets or filled into capsules. If coated tablets, capsules, or pulvules are desired, such tablets, capsules, or pulvules may be coated with a concentrated solution of sugar, which may contain gum arabic, gelatin, talc, titanium dioxide, or with a lacquer dissolved in the volatile organic solvent or mixture of solvents. To this coating, various dyes may be added in order to distinguish among tablets with different active compounds or with different amounts of the active compound present.

Soft gelatin capsules may be prepared in which capsules contain a mixture of the 5-azacytidine form(s) and vegetable oil or non-aqueous, water miscible materials such as, for example, polyethylene glycol and the like. Hard gelatin capsules may contain granules or powder of the 5-azacytidine polymorph in combination with a solid, pulverulent carrier, such as, for example, lactose, saccharose, sorbitol, mannitol, potato starch, corn starch, amylopectin, cellulose derivatives, or gelatin.

Tablets for oral use are typically prepared in the following manner, although other techniques may be employed. The solid substances are gently ground or sieved to a desired particle size, and a binding agent is homogenized and suspended in a suitable solvent. The 5-azacytidine form(s) and auxiliary agents are mixed with the binding agent solution. The resulting mixture is moistened to form a uniform suspension. The moistening typically causes the particles to aggregate slightly, and the resulting mass is gently pressed through a stainless steel sieve having a desired size. The layers of the mixture are then dried in controlled drying units for a predetermined length of time to achieve a desired particle size and consistency. The granules of the dried mixture are gently sieved to remove any powder. To this mixture, disintegrating, antifriction, and anti-adhesive agents are added. Finally, the mixture is pressed into tablets using a machine with the appropriate punches and dies to obtain the desired tablet size.

In the event that the above formulations are to be used for parenteral administration, such a formulation typically comprises sterile, aqueous and non-aqueous injection solutions comprising one or more 5-azacytidine forms for which preparations are preferably isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient. These preparations may contain anti-oxidants, buffers, bacteriostats, and solute; which render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient. Aqueous and non-aqueous suspensions may include suspending agents and thickening agents. The formulations may be present in unit-dose or multi-dose containers, for example, sealed ampules and vials. Extemporaneous injection solutions and suspensions may be prepared from sterile powders, granules, and tablets of the kind previously described.

Liquid preparations for oral administration are prepared in the form of solutions, syrups, or suspensions with the latter two forms containing, for example, 5-azacytidine polymorph(s), sugar, and a mixture of ethanol, water, glycerol, and propylene glycol. If desired, such liquid preparations contain coloring agents, flavoring agents, and saccharin. Thickening agents such as carboxymethylcellulose may also be used.

As such, the pharmaceutical formulations of the present invention are preferably prepared in a unit dosage form, each dosage unit containing from about 5 mg to about 200 mg, more usually about 100 mg of the 5-azacytidine form(s). In liquid form, dosage unit contains from about 5 to about 200 mg. more usually about 100 mg of the 5-azacytidine form(s). The term “unit dosage form” refers to physically discrete units suitable as unitary dosages for human subjects/patients or other mammals, each unit containing a predetermined quantity of the 5-azacytidine polymorph calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect, in association with preferably, at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, or excipient.

The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims in any way.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Prior Art Procedure for Synthesis of 5-azacytidine Drug Substance

Using commercially available 5-azacytosine (1) and 1,2,3,5-Tetra-O-β-acetyl-ribofuranose (2) (RTA), 5-azacytidine (3) may be synthesized according to the pathway below.

The crude synthesis product is dissolved in DMSO (preheated to about 90° C.), and then methanol is added to the DMSO solution. The co-solvent mixture is equilibrated at approximately −20° C. to allow 5-azacytidine crystal formation. The product is collected by vacuum filtration and allowed to air dry.

Example 2 Slow Recrystallization from DMSO/Toluene

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as the primary solvent to solubilize Form I of 5-azacytidine and toluene was used as the co-solvent as follows. Approximately 250 mg of 5-azacytidine was dissolved with approximately 5 mL of DMSO, preheated to approximately 90° C., in separate 100-mL beakers. The solids were allowed to dissolve to a clear solution. Approximately 45 mL of toluene, preheated to approximately 50° C., was added to the solution and the resultant solution was mixed. The solution was covered and allowed to equilibrate at ambient conditions. The product was collected by vacuum filtration as white crystals using a Buchner funnel. The collected product was allowed to air dry.

Example 3 Fast Recrystallization from DMSO/Methanol, DMSO/Toluene, and DMSO/Chloroform

Approximately 250 mg of 5-azacytidine was dissolved with approximately 5 mL of DMSO as the primary solvent, preheated to approximately 90° C., in separate 100-mL beakers. The solids were allowed to dissolve to a clear solution. Approximately 45 mL of the selected co-solvent (methanol, toluene, or chloroform), preheated to approximately 50° C., was added to the solution and the resultant solution was mixed. The solution was covered and placed in a freezer to equilibrate at approximately −20° C. to allow crystal formation. Solutions were removed from the freezer after crystal formation.

The product from the methanol and toluene solutions was collected by vacuum filtration using a Buchner funnel. The resulting white crystalline product was allowed to air dry.

The chloroform product was too fine to be collected by vacuum filtration. Most of the solvent was carefully decanted from the chloroform solution and the solvent from the resultant slurry was allowed to evaporate at ambient temperature to dryness. The chloroform solution evaporated to a white product. Note that fast recrystallization using the DMSO/methanol co-solvent system has typically been used to prepare 5-azacytidine drug substance in the prior art (see the last step of the procedure provided in Example 1).

Example 4 Fast Recrystallization N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) Single Solvent System

Approximately 500 mg of 5-azacytidine was dissolved with approximately 5 mL of NMP, preheated to approximately 90° C., in separate 50-mL beakers. The solids were allowed to dissolve to a clear solution. The solution was covered and placed in a freezer to equilibrate at approximately −20° C. to allow crystal formation. Solutions were removed from the freezer after crystal formation, equilibrated at ambient temperature. The product was collected by vacuum filtration using a Buchner funnel. The collected product was allowed to air dry.

Example 5 X-Ray Powder Diffraction of 5-azacytidine

X-ray powder diffraction patterns for each sample were obtained on a Scintag XDS 2000 or a Scintag X₂ θ/θ diffractometer operating with copper radiation at 45 kV and 40 mA using a Kevex Psi Peltier-cooled silicon detector or a Thermo ARL Peltier-cooled solid state detector. Source slits of 2 or 4 mm and detector slits of 0.5 or 0.3 mm were used for data collection. Recrystallized material was gently milled using an agate mortar and pestle for approximately one minute. Samples were placed in a stainless steel or silicon sample holder and leveled using a glass microscope slide. Powder diffraction patterns of the samples were obtained from 2 to 42° 2θ at 1°/minute. Calibration of the X₂ diffractometer is verified annually using a silicon powder standard. Raw data files were converted to ASCII format, transferred to an IBM compatible computer and displayed in Origin® 6.1 for Windows.

XRPD of a single sample of 5-azacytidine produced according to the method of Example 1 revealed that this sample consisted of Form I of 5-azacytidine.

NCI retained drug substance samples were also analyzed. These samples were all previously synthesized and recrystallized according to the method of Example 1 and were stored at 5° C. since production. XRPD revealed some retained samples are comprised of Form I alone, whereas other retained samples contain a mixed phase of Form I and a different polymorph, termed Form II.

XRPD of NCI retained drug product samples revealed the existence of Form VI in some samples. In those samples, Form VI was present as a mixed phase with Form I.

XRPD of the recrystallized 5-azacytidine obtained in Example 2 revealed that slow recrystallization from a DMSO/toluene system produced Form IV. XRPD of the recrystallized 5-azacytidine obtained in Example 3 revealed that fast recrystallization from a DMSO/chloroform system produced Form IV, fast recrystallization from a DMSO/toluene system produced Form V, and fast recrystallization from a DMSO/methanol system produced mixed phased Form I/Form VII. XRPD of the recrystallized 5-azacytidine obtained in Example 4 revealed that the N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone solvent system produced Form VIII.

Example 6 Thermal Analysis of 5-azacytidine

Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements for each sample were collected using a Perkin Elmer Pyris 1 DSC system equipped with an Intracooler 2P refrigeration unit. The Pyris 1 DSC was purged with nitrogen. Calibration was performed prior to analysis using an Indium standard at a 10° C. minute heating rate. Each sample was gently ground in an agate mortar and pestle. Approximately 1-3 mg of the sample were individually sealed in a Perkin Elmer 30-μL universal aluminum pan with holes in the lid. Samples were heated from 25° C. to 250° C. or 350° C. at 10° C./minute.

Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) measurements for each sample were collected using a Perkin Elmer TGA 7 purged with nitrogen at approximately 20 cc/minute. A 100-mg standard weight and nickel metal were used to verify balance and temperature calibrations, respectively. Samples were heated from 25° C. to 250° C. or 300° C. at 10° C./minute.

Capillary melting point (MP) measurements were made using an Electrothermal 9300 melting point apparatus. A heating rate of 10° C./minute was used from set point temperatures described in individual discussions. Visual melting points are reported as an average of triplicate determinations.

The results are as follows:

Form I

TGA showed a weight loss of 0.23% between ambient and 150° C., which indicates that it is anhydrous. DSC exhibited a single event with an onset of 227.0° C.

A capillary melting point determination was performed in triplicate on a sample of Form I of 5-azacytidine. The sample was visually observed to decompose without melting at about 215° C. using a 10° C. heating rate and a starting temperature of 200° C. Thus, the DSC event results from decomposition of 5-azacytidine.

Form I/II Mixed Phase

The TGA for the Form I/II mixed phase showed a weight loss of 1.16% between ambient temperature and 150° C. The DSC analysis exhibited a single event with an onset at 229.8° C. The decomposition of the mixed phase was consistent with that observed for 5-azacytidine Form I.

Form III

The TGA showed a weight loss of between 6.56% and 8.44% when the temperature was raised from ambient and 150° C. The loss is close to the theoretical amount of moisture, 6.9%, that 5-azacytidine monohydrate would have. The DSC analysis exhibited an endotherm, which is in the range associated with solvent loss, and a higher temperature event. The endotherm exhibited an onset temperature in the range of 86.4-89.2° C., peak temperatures in the range of 95.8-97.0° C. and ΔH values in the range of 73.1-100.5 J/g. The higher temperature event had onset temperatures in the range 229.1-232.1° C. and was consistent with the decomposition observed for 5-azacytidine Form I.

5-azacytidine Form III was heated at 105° C. for 4 hours in an attempt to dehydrate the material. The material did not change its physical appearance during heating. TGA was used to measure the water content of Form III before and after drying. The initial amount of moisture present in Form III was 6.31% and was <0.1% after drying. The XRPD powder pattern for dehydrated Form III matches that of Form I. Thus, Form III dehydrates to Form I.

Form IV

The TGA showed a weight loss of 21.80% between ambient temperature and 150° C., which does not correspond to the solvent content for any simple solvates. It is not known whether crystalline Form IV is a polymorph or a pseudopolymorph.

The DSC analysis exhibited two endotherms and a higher temperature event. The two endotherms are in the range that is associated with solvent loss. The first endotherm exhibited an onset temperature of 87.6° C., a peak temperature of 90.1° C. and ΔH value of 98.3 J/g. The second endotherm exhibited an onset temperature of 136.0° C., a peak temperature of 139.0° C. and ΔH value of 81.8 J/g. The higher temperature event had an onset temperature of 230.6° C. and was consistent with the decomposition that was observed for 5-azacytidine Form I.

Form V

TG A showed a weight loss of 21.45% between ambient and 150° C., which does not correspond to the solvent content for any simple solvate. The DSC analysis exhibited two merged endotherms, a single endotherm and a higher temperature event. The three endotherms are in the range that is associated with solvent loss. The two merged endotherms exhibit onset temperatures of 66.6 and 68.0° C. The single endotherm exhibited an onset temperature of 88.7° C., a peak temperature of 121.5° C. and a ΔH value of 180.3 J/g. The higher temperature event had onset temperature of 230.7° C. and was consistent with the decomposition that was observed for 5-azacytidine Form I.

Form VI

TGA showed a weight loss of 1.10% between ambient temperature and 150° C. The DSC analysis exhibited a small endotherm, an exotherm and a higher temperature event. The small endotherm exhibited an onset temperature of 57.8° C., a peak temperature of 77.0° C. and a ΔH value of 55.7 J/g. The exotherm exhibited an onset temperature of 149.3° C., a peak temperature of 157.1° C. and an ΔH value of −17.9 J/g. The higher temperature event had an onset temperature of 234.7° C. and was consistent with the decomposition observed for 5-azacytidine Form I.

Form VII

TGA showed a weight loss of 2.45% between ambient temperature and 150° C. The DSC analysis exhibited a minor endotherm and a higher temperature event. The minor endotherm had an onset temperature of 63.3° C., a peak temperature of 68.3° C. and a ΔH value of 17.1 J/g. The higher temperature event had an onset temperature of 227.2° C. and is consistent with the decomposition observed for 5-azacytidine Form I.

Example 7 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Analysis of Form III and Form VI

5-azacytidine is know to be labile in water. Since Form III is found in equilibrium saturated solutions and Form VI is produced by the lyophilization of 5-azacytidine solution. it was of interest to examine the purity of these 5-azacytidine forms using NMR. The proton (¹H) NMR spectra of Form III and Form VI were both consistent with the structure of 5-azacytidine in all essential details.

Example 8 Polymorphic Form Conversion of 5-azacytidine

Form I of 5-azacytidine was added to various solvents in sufficient quantities to form a slurry, and the slurry allowed to equilibrate for a period of time. The solid material that was present in the slurry was recovered, dried, and analyzed using XRPD (according to the XRPD protocol included in Example 5) with the aim of detecting new polymorphs and pseudopolymorphs during the transition to the dissolved state. Samples equilibrated for 19 hours in saline, 5% dextrose, 5% tween 80, water-saturated octanol, ethanol/water (50/50) and water alone resulted in a distinctly different form of 5-azacytidine, designated Form III (see below). Samples equilibrated for 19 hours in acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and ethanol resulted in materials identified as Form I. Samples equilibrated for 19 hours in propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and DMSO resulted in amorphous materials. The results are summarized in Table 9.

TABLE 9 X-ray Powder Diffraction Analysis Results for Solubility Samples: Form Assignment (Cu Kα radiation) XRPD Pattern Solvent Assignment Normal Saline Form III 5% Dextrose Form III Acetone Form I Propylene glycol Amorphous Polyethylene glycol Amorphous Methyl ethyl ketone Form I 5% Tween 80 Form III DMSO Amorphous Water-saturated Octanol Form III Ethyl alcohol Form I 50/50 EtOH/DI Water Form III DI Water Form III

The conversion of other forms of 5-azacytidine was also studied. Specifically, a Form I/II mixed phase, Form VI (the lyophilized drug product used in the prior art NCI drug trials), a Form I/VI mixed phase, and a Form I/VII mixed phase were weighed into individual small glass beakers and water was pipetted into each beaker. The sample size and water volume were scaled to maintain an approximate 25 mg/mL ratio. The resultant slurry was allowed to equilibrate for 15 minutes. After equilibration, the sample was filtered and the solid material was dried and analyzed using XRPD. In each case, Form III of 5-azacytidine was observed. The results indicate that all forms of 5-azacytidine convert to Form III during the transition to the dissolved state in water. Thus, when an 5-azacytidine suspension (“slurry”) was administered to patients in the aforementioned NCI investigation, the patients received both 5-azacytidine in solution, and Form III of 5-azacytidine. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for preparing crystalline 5-azacytidine, comprising the step of: a) crystallizing 5-azacytidine from a solution comprising two or more solvents, wherein at least one of the two or more solvents is DMSO, and at least one of the other of the two or more solvents is toluene or chloroform.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein step a) comprises the steps of: i) dissolving 5-azacytidine in the DMSO to form an initial solution; and ii) adding the toluene or chloroform to said initial solution to form the solution comprising two or more solvents of step a).
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the initial solution of step i) is heated to about 90° C. prior to step ii).
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the toluene or chloroform is heated to about 50° C. prior to adding the toluene or chloroform to said initial solution.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the solution comprising two or more solvents is cooled after step ii).
 6. The method of claim 3, wherein the solution comprising two or more solvents is cooled after step ii).
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein the solution comprising two or more solvents is cooled after step ii).
 8. The method of claim 5, wherein the solution comprising two or more solvents is cooled to ambient temperature after step ii).
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the solution comprising two or more solvents is cooled to ambient temperature after step ii).
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the solution comprising two or more solvents is cooled to ambient temperature after step ii).
 11. The method of claim 5, wherein the solution comprising two or more solvents is cooled to −20° C. after step ii).
 12. The method of claim 6, wherein the solution comprising two or more solvents is cooled to −20° C. after step ii).
 13. The method of claim 7, wherein the solution comprising two or more solvents is cooled to −20° C. after step ii).
 14. The method of claim 2, wherein toluene is added to the initial solution in step ii).
 15. The method of claim 3, wherein toluene is added to the initial solution in step ii).
 16. The method of claim 5, wherein toluene is added to the initial solution in step ii).
 17. A method for preparing crystalline 5-azacytidine, comprising the step of: (a) crystallizing 5-azacytidine from a solution comprising NMP. 